Vitamin D

Vitamin D as it relates to COMT and Aversive Emotional Stimuli in Health report: COMT Gene: A Look at the Processing of Aversive Emotional Stimuli

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the regulation of the COMT gene, which encodes the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase. This enzyme is involved in the breakdown of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Research suggests that Vitamin D deficiency may lead to dysregulation of the COMT gene, resulting in altered neurotransmitter levels in the brain. In the context of aversive emotional stimuli, Vitamin D deficiency may impact how individuals respond to negative emotions. Studies have shown that Vitamin D plays a role in mood regulation and emotional processing. Low levels of Vitamin D have been associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Therefore, maintaining adequate levels of Vitamin D is important for proper COMT gene function and emotional well-being. It is recommended to get regular exposure to sunlight, consume Vitamin D-rich foods, or take supplements to ensure optimal Vitamin D levels for overall health and emotional resilience. References: 1. Patrick, R. P., & Ames, B. N. (2015). Vitamin D hormone regulates serotonin synthesis. Part 1: relevance for autism. The FASEB Journal, 29(6), 2207-2222. 2. Jääskeläinen, T., Knekt, P., Marniemi, J., Sares-Jäske, L., Männistö, S., Heliövaara, M., & Järvinen, R. (2013). Vitamin D status is associated with sociodemographic factors, lifestyle and metabolic health. European journal of nutrition, 52(2), 513-525.

Supplements for COMT and Aversive Emotional Stimuli

Here are some dietary supplements related to the content in this report. Click the shopping cart to purchase the supplement from our partners.

  1. Curcumin (found in turmeric)

    Curcumin may inhibit COMT activity and increase dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex. This could potentially enhance emotional processing and mood in those with the val/val genotype

  2. Rhodiola rosea

    This adaptogenic herb may inhibit COMT activity, particularly in people with the val/val genotype. It could help modulate dopamine levels and improve stress resilience.

  3. Omega-3 fatty acids

    Omega-3s may reduce inflammation and protect dopamine-producing neurons. This could support healthy emotional processing, especially in met allele carriers.

  4. Magnesium

    Magnesium supplementation has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression. It's proposed to positively influence neurotransmitter function, including dopamine signaling

  5. SAM-e

    SAM-e is involved in methylation processes including COMT methylation of catecholamines. Supplementing with SAM-e could potentially optimize COMT enzyme function

  6. Ginkgo biloba

    Ginkgo extracts contain terpenes that act as MAO inhibitors, allowing more dopamine and norepinephrine to remain circulating in the brain, which could benefit emotion regulation.

  7. Vitamin D

    Low vitamin D levels have been associated with depression. Optimizing vitamin D may support dopaminergic function and healthy mood/stress response.

  8. Lavender essential oil

    Lavender contains linalool which has anxiolytic effects. One study found lavender oil decreased anxiety symptoms more in met/met genotypes, possibly by increasing dopamine availability.

  9. Resveratrol

    Found in grapes, resveratrol has COMT-inhibiting effects similar to curcumin according to some research. It may boost dopamine signaling in the prefrontal cortex.

  10. Passionflower

    Traditionally used for anxiety, passionflower increases GABA activity in the brain. It may also inhibit MAO enzymes leading to higher dopamine and norepinephrine.

  11. Probiotics

    Emerging research shows gut-brain connections. Probiotics may reduce inflammation, support neurotransmitter precursors, and improve mood/stress response.

It is essential to consult your healthcare provider before starting any of these supplements. They can have side effects, and some may interact with medications or other supplements you're already taking.
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